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Even though some photographers poo-poo the idea of using a tripod when traveling because they don't want to lug one around, the value of having a tripod cannot be dismissed.

Among other things, a solid, sturdy tripod will help stabilize your camera so you get sharper photos. That's certainly a bonus.

If you look for the right set of features, you can get a travel tripod that is easy to carry, easy to use, and won't get in your way, either.

With that in mind, here's a few pointers for picking up the ideal travel photography tripod.

Editor's Note: Sirui is one of the top photography tripod manufacturers in the world, with a line of tripods for every purpose. Their travel tripods are second-to-none when it comes to build quality and features. This article highlights some of those travel tripods. To learn more about these and other Sirui products, visit their website.

Travel Tripods Should Be Easy to Set up

Sometimes when you're traveling, time is definitely of the essence. The same is true of photography when the difference between an incredible photo and one that's just okay might be a couple of seconds.

The flip leg locks shown in the image above means the tripod can be set up and taken down in a matter of seconds.

But don't think that because the legs are easy to extend and lock that the tripod is somehow flimsy...

This tripod can hold over 26 pounds of gear - much more than you'd need for travel photography.

It's got retractable spiked feet for those occasions when you happen upon a nature or landscape scene but don't have even terrain to set up. Speaking of uneven terrain, each leg has three positioning angles to accommodate its stance to the angle of the ground.

The center column can be inverted for low-angle shots, too, giving you more flexibility for getting different types of photos of your travels.

This tripod is part of a kit that includes a ball head and a quick-release plate.

That means you can easily switch to video for some smooth panning shots, and if you need to remove your camera, you can do so in a flash.

In other words, you don't have time to waste fiddling with a complicated tripod when you travel. When buying a tripod, be sure it's something that you can use efficiently.